New and Noteworthy

Walking or Running for Charity

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A charity walk or run gives people who like to get in shape an opportunity to raise money for a good cause.

Walkathons and marathons can be competitive and non-competitive races that are sponsored by charities to raise funds and involve people who are interested in exercise and physical activity. Walking or running for charity can make the experience more meaningful for participants and help them stay committed.

Most of the big U.S. city marathons, including in New York City and Boston, partner with and support local and national charities. Many runners in these marathons agree to be a part of a charity’s team and fundraise for it.

Diabetes, cystic fibrosis, autism, cancer, AIDS, school districts, and hunger are some of the many causes that have walkathons and bikeathons. Typically for these events, participants are sponsored per mile they walk, run, or bike. Some “thons” require participants to raise a specific amount of donations and/or pay a registration fee.

Cancer is one of the most popular giving categories. There are several walkathons for cancer that happen all around the world and attract thousands of people to every event. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure are two of the more famous races dedicated to raising funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

Runner’s World partnered with Crowdrise to make it easier for runners to find cancer charities with running connections. At the crowdrise.com/runnersworld site, people can donate to or fundraise for these charities.

Many people benefit from the training and preparation needed for the race. The exercise and interaction between team members can also be rewarding.

For first-time participants, running for charity can motivate them to continue running. Because runners often have easier entry, they can use the charity race to gain experience as a runner.

People of all fitness levels can gain satisfaction from participating in an event that is good for charity and health.